I am pleased to share that research ASPECT conducted earlier this year with the Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE) has now been published as a position paper: Strengthening Rural and Remote Supported Employment Services in Canada. This work builds on ASPECT’s earlier study from November 2022 and was made possible through CASE and a Government of Canada Social Inclusion Project (SIP) grant.

The report highlights the unique challenges and opportunities of providing supported employment services in rural and remote areas across the country, with a particular focus on people with disabilities. What became clear through this work is that employment is not just an economic issue—it is fundamentally a matter of social justice. When individuals with disabilities are denied equitable access to meaningful employment, communities lose out on the richness of their skills, contributions, and leadership.

The findings call for greater collaboration across provinces, territories, and service systems. Employment services are most effective when they are responsive to local realities yet connected through networks of shared learning and advocacy. This is especially true in rural and remote regions where providers often face isolation, resource limitations, and structural barriers. Strengthening these connections will ensure more consistent, equitable, and sustainable employment pathways for people with disabilities across Canada.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed their time and expertise to this research process. Consultations were held in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, and the insights provided by community-based service providers were invaluable. Their voices ensured that the final report reflects both the challenges on the ground and the innovative approaches already making a difference. Special thanks go to our colleagues and their members from the Canadian Coalition of Community-Based Employability Training (CCCBET), whose networks helped us connect with interview participants across the country.

At ASPECT, we remain committed to advancing this conversation and advocating for stronger supports for both service providers and job seekers. I encourage you to read the full report and consider how these findings can inform our collective advocacy. Together, we can ensure that supported employment is recognized not only as an economic driver but also as a pathway to dignity, inclusion, and community well-being.

Read the full position paper here

Janet Morris-Reade
CEO